Please explain tuned RF level and noise error for the Agilent 8902AT and 8902S attenuator measurement systems.

Following are answers to questions concerning the specifications of the Agilent 8902S and 8902AT attenuator measurement systems. It appears that the information is how the Agilent 11793A affects the system accuracy. Below are the system specifications, including the affects of the Agilent 11793A.

System Hardware:

Agilent 8902A Opt. 050

Agilent 11793A Opt. H05

Agilent 11792A Opt. 001, H04

Microwave Synthesized Local Oscillator

Microwave Synthesized Attenuator Source

Matching attenuators and cables as required

SYSTEM TUNED RF LEVEL RELATIVE ACCURACY SPECIFICATIONS:

Level Ranges using the 11792A Opt. 001, H04:

+10 dBm to -117 dBm, 2.5 MHz to 1.3 GHz

0 dBm to -100 dBm, 1.3 GHz to 18 GHz

10 MHz to 1300 MHz , +10 dBm to -117 dBm, Using 11792A Opt. 001, H04

+/- 0.015 dB +/- 1 digit

+/- 0.005 dB / 10 dB step , 0 dBm to -100 dBm

+/- 0.050 dB / 10 dB step , -100 dBm to -117 dBm

+/- 0.180 dB , -110 dBm to -117 dBm (noise effects error)

Note: The noise effects error is only in effect when the input level into the 8902A is less than -120 dBm. Using the 11792A drops the level into the 8902A by 10 dB due to the built in 10 dB attenuator. So a level of -110 dBm into to the 11792A results in a level at the 8902A input of -120 dBm.

1.3 GHz to 18 GHz , 0 dBm to -100 dBm, Using 11792A Opt. 001, H04

+/- 0.015 dB +/- 1 digit

+/- 0.005 dB / 10 dB step , 0 dBm to -70 dBm

+/- 0.050 dB / 10 dB step , -70 dBm to -100 dBm

+/- 0.180 dB , -95 dBm to -100 dBm (noise effects error)

+/- 0.142 dB , mixer compression error for input of -10 dBm into the 11793A

Note: The mixer compression of the 11793A is a function of the level into the 11793A. For input levels of -20 dBm or lower into the 11793A mixer compression is negligible.

We trust the above data help explain the 8902A relative measurement accuracy.

(c) Copyright Agilent Technologies 1998, 2000. All Rights Reserved.

This information is subject to change without notice and is provided "as is" with no warranty. Agilent Technologies shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the use of this material.